Soldier killed in firearms training accident

Live firearms training at a firing range in Gyeongsan, North Gyeongsang, on March 2. [NEWS1]

A soldier was killed during firearms training at an army base in Yangju, Gyeonggi, on Monday.

The private was shot in the head with his own firearm around 12:10 p.m. Monday, according to the Army. He was immediately transferred to a civilian hospital in the vicinity but died soon after.

The fact that the bullet was fired from his K-2 rifle brings up the possibility of an accidental discharge that may have occurred when the private was adjusting his shooting posture.

The Republic of Korea Army extended its condolences to the victim's family and pledged to coordinate closely with the civilian police to investigate the accident.

Civilian authorities have been investigating and adjudicating peacetime military deaths since the military court law was amended in July last year.

BY SOHN DONG-JOO [sohn.dongjoo@joongang.co.kr]